Growing up

Ah the moments when we become acutely aware of how much growing up our kids have done!!


 Leishabeth is having a moral dilemma. 
 There is a little girl in her class with serious developmental delays.  She is a delightful girl, one year older than her classmates, but operating closer to a kindergarten curriculum. This little girl LOVES Leisha.  Loves to hug her, loves to hang out with her, loves to talk to her.  Loves to JUST BE near her.  Leishabeth joyfully includes this little girl in her play at recess........The issue Lei is having is that before and after school, when this little girl's assistant is not available, the girl clings to Leisha and Leisha finds it daunting.  She wants to find a way to disentangle herself from this little girl because before and after school are busy times of activity and bustle to get things done.  She feels hindered and a little anxious.  Some of her anxiety is because she doesn't want to hurt the girl's feelings nor does she want to appear to be avoiding this girl so she is wrestling with how to handle the situation as kindly as possible.
We talked through a few different solutions, including, taking the girl by the hand and leading her to a supervisor and introducing them to each other, briefly, quietly explain the need to the supervisor and wave a cheery good bye.
I don't quite know what words to use to describe what I feel and think as I see her trying to make a good choice, trying to do the kind thing.  I LOVE her and her sweet little empathetic heart!
The fact that she is concerned about how to handle this, makes me so proud.  It also relieves me greatly....it means she has not inherited her father's lack of empathy and compassion.